The Energy News Digest for December 9, 2020

Sponsored by the Northwest Public Power Association.

The News Digest on Facebook and Twitter will bring you breaking news throughout the week.

Subscribe to The Energy News Digest.

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

American Public Power Association Supports Prioritization of COVID-19 Vaccine for Mission Essential Workers (American Public Power Association)

https://www.publicpower.org/periodical/article/appa-supports-prioritization-covid-19-vaccine-mission-essential-workers

Portland General Electric’s Wheatridge Renewable Energy Facility Begins Generating Power (North American Windpower)

https://nawindpower.com/pges-wheatridge-renewable-energy-facility-begins-generating-power

California Was the Largest Net Electricity Importer of Any State in 2019 (U.S. Energy Information Administration)

https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=46156

EIA Expects U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions to Fall 11% in 2020 (U.S. Energy Information Administration)

https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=46196

Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Winner Map: Fiber, Fixed Wireless Win Big, Winners Commit to Gigabit Speeds (Telecompetitor)

https://www.telecompetitor.com/rdof-winner-map-fiber-fixed-wireless-win-big-winners-commit-to-gigabit-speeds/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (See Stories Below)

1.      American Public Power Association Supports Prioritization of COVID-19 Vaccine for Mission Essential Workers

2.      California Was the Largest Net Electricity Importer of Any State in 2019

3.      Salt River Project Increases Its Share of Arizona Nuclear Power Plant

4.      Montana: As Coal Taxes Decline, Republicans Eye Renewables

5.      North Las Vegas Pays Off Electricity Bills for 4,200 Households That Have Fallen Behind on Payments Due to COVID-19

6.      Grays Harbor PUD Safety Tips for Holiday Decorations

7.      Portland General Electric’s Wheatridge Renewable Energy Facility Begins Generating Power

8.      Montana: $500 Million Rapelje Wind Farm Wins Lawsuit Against PSC

9.      Monarch Butterfly Populations Are Declining Sharply. The US Has Until Next Week to List It as an Endangered Species

10.   Months After Dam Removal, Pilchuck River Is Showing Signs of Recovery

11.   Whales Get a Break as Pandemic Creates Quieter Oceans

12.   Feds Sued Over Inaction on Northern Spotted Owl Protections

13.   California: In Oceanside, The Sea Lions Are Winning

14.   Why Water Won’t Make It as a Major Commodity

15.   EIA Expects U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions to Fall 11% in 2020

16.   Emissions Hit New Record, Put World on Track for Three Degree Centigrade Warming - U.N.

17.   Pacific Northwest States Need a Plan to Move Beyond Gas – Other States Lead the Way on Decarbonizing Gas Utilities.

18.   Idaho: Ketchum Proceeds with Clean Energy Resolution

19.   Are Utilities Legally Required to Plan for Climate Change? ‘The Devil Is in the Details.’

20.   Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Winner Map: Fiber, Fixed Wireless Win Big, Winners Commit to Gigabit Speeds

21.   Interactive RDOF Map

22.   WA State: City of Anacortes Broadband Utility Could Have 500 Customers by Year End

23.   Broadband Is Critical for Grays Harbor: How You Can Help Connect Your Community

24.   WA State Senator Brad Hawkins Introduces Bill with Goal to Promote Hydrogen Powered Vehicles

25.   New LED Mandate Would Devastate California Cannabis Quality

26.   YouTube to Remove Misleading Videos About the Outcome of the U.S. Presidential Election

27.   Pantone unveils its 2021 Color(s) of the Year: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating

28.   U.S. Senate Works to Pass Comprehensive Energy Bill in 2020 as Renewables Sector Vies for More Aid

29.   Montana: Signature Gathering

WORD OF THE DAY

Modus Operandi \MOE-dus opp-er-RAND-ee\ Noun – A method of procedure; especially a distinct pattern or method of operation that indicates or suggests the work of a single criminal in more than one crime

“No gentlemen, we are not dealing with a crazed criminal here,” purred Detective Poirot as he absentmindedly stroked his moustache. “What we have here is a person who is so fixed in their modus operandi that they would not change their ways even if confronted with the most secure lock box in the world.” “Non, mon ami, your lunches have not been stolen by a wayward squirrel, crazed dog, or even a trained capuchin monkey…they have been stolen by only one person….your copy repairman: Rick!” (Insert surprised gasp here)

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

1.      American Public Power Association Supports Prioritization of COVID-19 Vaccine for Mission Essential Workers (American Public Power Association)

https://www.publicpower.org/periodical/article/appa-supports-prioritization-covid-19-vaccine-mission-essential-workers

2.      California Was the Largest Net Electricity Importer of Any State in 2019 (U.S. Energy Information Administration)

https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=46156

3.      Salt River Project Increases Its Share of Arizona Nuclear Power Plant (Associated Press)

https://tucson.com/news/state-and-regional/arizona-utility-increases-its-share-of-nuclear-power-plant/article_73fa0d43-163b-5886-8d92-bbb73dfe8f82.html

4.      Montana: As Coal Taxes Decline, Republicans Eye Renewables (Billings Gazette, MT)

https://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/as-coal-taxes-decline-republicans-eye-renewables/article_6b43f94c-91d7-5d70-ac36-0d65837d48ae.html

5.      North Las Vegas Pays Off Electricity Bills for 4,200 Households That Have Fallen Behind on Payments Due to COVID-19 (KLAS-TV, Las Vegas, NV)

https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/north-las-vegas-pays-off-electricity-bills-for-4200-households-that-have-fallen-behind-on-payments-due-to-covid-19/

6.      Grays Harbor PUD Safety Tips for Holiday Decorations (KXRO Radio, Aberdeen, WA)

https://www.kxro.com/pud-safety-tips-for-holiday-decorations/

RENEWABLE ENERGY & SELF STORAGE

7.      Portland General Electric’s Wheatridge Renewable Energy Facility Begins Generating Power (North American Windpower)

https://nawindpower.com/pges-wheatridge-renewable-energy-facility-begins-generating-power

8.      Montana: $500 Million Rapelje Wind Farm Wins Lawsuit Against PSC (Billings Gazette, MT)

https://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/500-million-rapelje-wind-farm-wins-lawsuit-against-psc/article_281fcb52-118c-5189-a751-0d849c77dfdd.html

FISH & WILDLIFE

9.      Monarch Butterfly Populations Are Declining Sharply. The US Has Until Next Week to List It as an Endangered Species (Oregonian, Portland, OR)

https://www.oregonlive.com/environment/2020/12/monarch-butterfly-populations-are-declining-sharply-the-us-has-until-next-week-to-list-it-as-an-endangered-species.html

10.   Months After Dam Removal, Pilchuck River Is Showing Signs of Recovery (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/months-after-dam-removal-pilchuck-river-is-showing-signs-recovery/6QODJG3Q6RC35PGLNMGTE4D36A/?outputType=amp

11.   Whales Get a Break as Pandemic Creates Quieter Oceans (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

https://www.opb.org/article/2020/12/09/whales-get-a-break-as-pandemic-creates-quieter-oceans/

12.   Feds Sued Over Inaction on Northern Spotted Owl Protections (Courthouse News Service)

https://www.courthousenews.com/feds-sued-for-inaction-on-northern-spotted-owl-protections/

13.   California: In Oceanside, The Sea Lions Are Winning (San Diego Union-Tribune, CA)

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/north-county/oceanside/story/2020-12-02/sea-lions-continue-to-pester-harbor-residents

WATER, WATER, ANYWHERE?

14.   Why Water Won’t Make It as a Major Commodity (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/energy/why-water-wont-make-it-as-a-major-commodity/2020/12/08/3a310556-39a9-11eb-aad9-8959227280c4_story.html

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

15.   EIA Expects U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions to Fall 11% in 2020 (U.S. Energy Information Administration)

https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=46196

16.   Emissions Hit New Record, Put World on Track for Three Degree Centigrade Warming - U.N. (Reuters)

https://www.reuters.com/article/climate-change-emissions/global-emissions-hit-new-high-on-track-for-increase-of-3-degrees-celsius-un-idUSKBN28J16B

17.   Pacific Northwest States Need a Plan to Move Beyond Gas – Other States Lead the Way on Decarbonizing Gas Utilities. (Sightline Institute)

https://www.sightline.org/2020/12/09/northwest-states-need-a-plan-to-move-beyond-gas/

18.   Idaho: Ketchum Proceeds with Clean Energy Resolution (Mountain Express, Ketchum, ID)

https://www.mtexpress.com/news/ketchum/ketchum-proceeds-with-clean-energy-resolution/article_11c226ac-39a6-11eb-82d3-fb0260772b31.html

19.   Are Utilities Legally Required to Plan for Climate Change? ‘The Devil Is in the Details.’ (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/are-utilities-legally-required-to-plan-for-climate-change-the-devil-is-in/591744/

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

20.   Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Winner Map: Fiber, Fixed Wireless Win Big, Winners Commit to Gigabit Speeds (Telecompetitor)

https://www.telecompetitor.com/rdof-winner-map-fiber-fixed-wireless-win-big-winners-commit-to-gigabit-speeds/

21.   Interactive RDOF Map (Cooperative Network Services)

https://www.telecompetitor.com/rdof-winner-map-fiber-fixed-wireless-win-big-winners-commit-to-gigabit-speeds/

22.   WA State: City of Anacortes Broadband Utility Could Have 500 Customers by Year End (Skagit Valley Herald, Mt Vernon, WA)

https://www.goskagit.com/anacortes/news/citys-broadband-utility-could-have-500-customers-by-year-end/article_099d64c8-3a41-11eb-aaed-fb11426c7f7d.html

23.   Broadband Is Critical for Grays Harbor: How You Can Help Connect Your Community (Aberdeen Daily World, WA)

https://www.thedailyworld.com/opinion/broadband-is-critical-for-grays-harbor-how-you-can-help-connect-your-community/

I SING THE CAR ELECTRIC

24.   WA State Senator Brad Hawkins Introduces Bill with Goal to Promote Hydrogen Powered Vehicles (KPQ Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

https://www.kpq.com/senator-brad-hawkins-introduces-bill-with-goal-to-promote-hydrogen-powered-vehicles/

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

25.   New LED Mandate Would Devastate California Cannabis Quality (L.A. Weekly, CA)

https://www.laweekly.com/new-led-mandate-would-devastate-california-cannabis-quality/

PUBLIC RELATIONS, MARKETING & MEDIA

26.   YouTube to Remove Misleading Videos About the Outcome of the U.S. Presidential Election (USA Today)

https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2020/12/09/elections-2020-youtube-remove-misleading-videos-election-results/6506325002/

27.   Pantone unveils its 2021 Color(s) of the Year: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating (CNN)

https://www.cnn.com/style/article/pantone-color-of-the-year-2021/index.html

GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

28.   U.S. Senate Works to Pass Comprehensive Energy Bill in 2020 as Renewables Sector Vies for More Aid (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/senate-works-to-pass-comprehensive-energy-bill-in-2020-as-renewables-sector/591844/

29.   Montana: Signature Gathering (Courthouse News Service)

https://www.courthousenews.com/signature-gathering-2/

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

Mount Everest Just Got a Smidge Taller After China & Nepal Finally Agree on Height

https://news.yahoo.com/mount-everest-just-got-smidge-133459375.html

S. Carolina: Nine-Pound Goldfish Found Swimming in Oak Grove Lake, Park Officials Say

https://www.wyff4.com/article/9-pound-goldfish-found-swimming-in-oak-grove-lake-park/34891371

Chuck Yeager, First to Break Sound Barrier, Dies at 97

https://www.timescolonist.com/chuck-yeager-1st-to-break-sound-barrier-dies-at-97-1.24251761

Break Dancing Among the Newest Sports Added to the Olympics

https://www.khq.com/sports/break-dancing-among-the-newest-sports-added-to-the-olympics/article_4f224882-39d4-11eb-b184-9fd040668b28.html

SONG OF THE DAY

Bill Conti – Breaking the Sound Barrier (Soundtrack – The Right Stuff)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7MMYg6piIw

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

Links in The Energy News Digest lead to current stories. Media organizations update their websites regularly, which may result in broken links. Possible Paywall restrictions are noted in the media attribution.

The Energy News Digest for December 7, 2020

Sponsored by the Northwest Public Power Association, 

The News Digest on Facebook and Twitter will bring you breaking news throughout the week.

Subscribe to The Energy News Digest.

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Utility Customers Owe Up to $40 Billion in COVID-19 Debt, But Who Will Pay It? (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/customers-owe-billions-in-covid-debt-to-their-utilities-and-somebody-has-to/589525/

Power Shutoffs Possible in Southern California as Dangerous Fire Weather Returns (Los Angeles Times, CA)

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-12-07/fire-weather-brings-potential-power-shutoffs-southern-california

Army Corps Withdraws Plan to Charge for Reservoir Water (Associated Press)

https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2020-12-04/army-corps-withdraws-plan-to-charge-for-reservoir-water

Human Activities, Shipping, Fishing, Polluting, Links to Killer Whale Deaths: Study (Victoria Times-Colonist, BC)

https://www.timescolonist.com/human-activities-shipping-fishing-polluting-links-to-killer-whale-deaths-study-1.24249305

Migration to Booming ‘Zoom Towns’ in Pacific Northwest Sends Home Prices into Overdrive (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

https://www.opb.org/article/2020/12/07/coronavirus-pandemic-migration-zoom-towns-pacific-northwest/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (See Stories Below)

1.      Utility Customers Owe Up to $40 Billion in COVID-19 Debt, But Who Will Pay It?

2.      Public Power Utilities Extend Disconnect Moratoriums, Offer Payment Options to Customers

3.      Power Shutoffs Possible in Southern California as Dangerous Fire Weather Returns

4.      Bonneville Power Administration Proposes Debt Reduction Measures to Augment Cost Containment

5.      WA State: Puget Sound Energy Electric Rates to Go Up This Month

6.      California: Pacific Gas & Electric Bills to Rise Over $160 Per Year on Average to Fund Wildfire Risk Reduction

7.      West Tracker: Power Prices Plunge on Abundant Pacific Northwest Hydro Supply

8.      Utah: Hyrum City Power Could Benefit from Idaho Modular Nuclear Reactor

9.      Op/Ed: San Diego Shouldn’t Rush into Another Rip-Off Utility Franchise Deal

10.   Oklahoma: Burying Power Lines Could Prevent Some Future Outages, But the Astronomical Cost Might Be Too Much to Bear

11.   S. Carolina: Santee Cooper Settles Lawsuit Over Bonds Issued During Failed Nuclear Project for $2 Million

12.   Florida Utility Regulators Will Ask for Law Changes That Allow Secrecy at Public Hearings

13.   Natural Gas-Fired Generation Has Increased in Most U.S. Regions Since 2015

14.   Seattle Takes New Approach in Latest Bid to Curb Use of Natural Gas in Homes

15.   San Jose, Oakland Join Growing List of California Cities to Ban Natural Gas Construction

16.   Nevada Climate Strategy Outlines Framework to Phase Out Natural Gas, Electrify Transportation

17.   Trump ‘Midnight Regulations’ May Hinder Biden Efforts to Advance Energy Efficiency, Advocates Say

18.   Avista: Helps Customers Take Simple Steps to Manage Their Winter Energy Costs

19.   Human Activities, Shipping, Fishing, Polluting, Links to Killer Whale Deaths: Study

20.   Research Groups Buys ‘Salmon Ranch’ to Feed Southern Resident Orcas

21.   Idaho’s Salmon Workgroup Finalizing Recommendations to Save Salmon & Steelhead Populations

22.   British Columbia: Sockeye Restoration Efforts Spark Hope & Heartbreak on the Coquitlam River

23.   Outdated Sewage Treatment Is Suffocating Fish in Puget Sound

24.   Army Corps Withdraws Plan to Charge for Reservoir Water

25.   Editorial: Getting Climate Change & The Economy Right

26.   Idaho Broadband Access Expanded Using Federal Pandemic Funds

27.   Fitch Rates Northwest Open Access Network’s Telecom Bonds at ‘A’; Outlook Stable

28.   Editorial: Time for A New Federal Broadband Plan

29.   The Quick FCC Fix That Would Get More Students Online

30.   Migration to Booming ‘Zoom Towns’ in Pacific Northwest Sends Home Prices into Overdrive

31.   Idaho: Boise Code Requires New Homes Have High-Voltage Outlets for Electric Cars

32.   Japan’s Capsule with Asteroid Samples Retrieved in Australia

33.   U.S. Rep. McMorris Rodgers’ Top Tech Target for Next Congress: Section 230

WORD OF THE DAY

Infamy /INN-fuh-mee/ Noun – 1: evil reputation brought about by something grossly criminal, shocking, or brutal 2a: an extreme and publicly known criminal or evil act b: the state of being infamous.

“…Yesterday, December 7, 1941 a date which will live in infamy…” Franklin D. Roosevelt, U.S. President

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

1.      Utility Customers Owe Up to $40 Billion in COVID-19 Debt, But Who Will Pay It? (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/customers-owe-billions-in-covid-debt-to-their-utilities-and-somebody-has-to/589525/

2.      Public Power Utilities Extend Disconnect Moratoriums, Offer Payment Options to Customers (American Public Power Association)

https://www.publicpower.org/periodical/article/public-power-utilities-extend-disconnect-moratoriums-offer-payment-options-customers

3.      Power Shutoffs Possible in Southern California as Dangerous Fire Weather Returns (Los Angeles Times, CA)

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-12-07/fire-weather-brings-potential-power-shutoffs-southern-california

4.      Bonneville Power Administration Proposes Debt Reduction Measures to Augment Cost Containment (Bonneville Power Administration)

https://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/BPA-proposes-debt-reduction-measures-to-augment-cost-containment.aspx

5.      WA State: Puget Sound Energy Electric Rates to Go Up This Month (Kitsap Sun, Bremerton, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2020/12/04/puget-sound-energy-electric-rates-go-up-month/3786384001/

6.      California: Pacific Gas & Electric Bills to Rise Over $160 Per Year on Average to Fund Wildfire Risk Reduction (MSN News)

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/pg-e-bills-to-rise-over-160-per-year-on-average-to-fund-wildfire-risk-reduction/ar-BB1bE34A?ocid=hplocalnews

7.      West Tracker: Power Prices Plunge on Abundant Pacific Northwest Hydro Supply (S&P Global)

https://www.spglobal.com/platts/en/market-insights/latest-news/electric-power/120420-west-tracker-power-prices-plunge-on-abundant-northwest-hydro-supply

8.      Utah: Hyrum City Power Could Benefit from Idaho Modular Nuclear Reactor (Cache Valley Daily, Logan, UT)

https://www.cachevalleydaily.com/news/archive/2020/12/03/hyrum-city-power-could-benefit-from-idaho-modular-nuclear-reactor/#.X86J4thKjIV

9.      Op/Ed: San Diego Shouldn’t Rush into Another Rip-Off Utility Franchise Deal (Times of San Diego, CA)

https://timesofsandiego.com/opinion/2020/12/06/opinion-san-diego-shouldnt-rush-into-another-rip-off-utility-franchise-deal/

10.   Oklahoma: Burying Power Lines Could Prevent Some Future Outages, But the Astronomical Cost Might Be Too Much to Bear (The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, OK)

http://oklahoman.com/article/5677595/burying-power-lines-could-prevent-some-future-outages-but-the-astronomical-cost-might-be-too-much-to-bear

11.   S. Carolina: Santee Cooper Settles Lawsuit Over Bonds Issued During Failed Nuclear Project for $2 Million (Charleston Post & Courier, SC)

https://energynewsdigest.blogspot.com/2020/12/s-carolina-santee-cooper-settles.html

12.   Florida Utility Regulators Will Ask for Law Changes That Allow Secrecy at Public Hearings (Tampa Bay Times, FL)

https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2020/11/18/florida-utility-regulators-will-ask-for-law-changes-that-allow-secrecy-at-public-hearings/

13.   Natural Gas-Fired Generation Has Increased in Most U.S. Regions Since 2015 (U.S. Energy Information Administration)

https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=46143

NOW WE’RE COOKING WITH GAS

14.   Seattle Takes New Approach in Latest Bid to Curb Use of Natural Gas in Homes (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

https://mynorthwest.com/2345086/seattle-new-approach-curb-use-natural-gas-homes/

15.   San Jose, Oakland Join Growing List of California Cities to Ban Natural Gas Construction (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/san-jose-oakland-join-growing-list-of-california-cities-to-ban-natural-gas/591650/

16.   Nevada Climate Strategy Outlines Framework to Phase Out Natural Gas, Electrify Transportation (The Nevada Independent)

https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/nevada-climate-strategy-outlines-framework-to-phase-out-natural-gas-electrify-transportation

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

17.   Trump ‘Midnight Regulations’ May Hinder Biden Efforts to Advance Energy Efficiency, Advocates Say (Utility Dive)

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/trump-midnight-regulations-may-hinder-biden-efforts-to-advance-energy-eff/591575/

18.   Avista: Helps Customers Take Simple Steps to Manage Their Winter Energy Costs (MarketScreener)

https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/AVISTA-CORPORATION-11716/news/Avista-helps-customers-take-simple-steps-to-manage-their-winter-energy-costs-Easy-low-cost-tips-ca-31932590/

FISH & WILDLIFE

19.   Human Activities, Shipping, Fishing, Polluting, Links to Killer Whale Deaths: Study (Victoria Times-Colonist, BC)

https://www.timescolonist.com/human-activities-shipping-fishing-polluting-links-to-killer-whale-deaths-study-1.24249305

20.   Research Groups Buys ‘Salmon Ranch’ to Feed Southern Resident Orcas (Victoria Times-Colonist, BC)

https://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/research-groups-buys-salmon-ranch-to-feed-southern-resident-orcas-1.24250937

21.   Idaho’s Salmon Workgroup Finalizing Recommendations to Save Salmon & Steelhead Populations (KSAW-TV, Twin Falls, ID)

https://www.kivitv.com/news/outdoors/idahos-salmon-workgroup-finalizing-recommendations-to-save-salmon-and-steelhead-populations

22.   British Columbia: Sockeye Restoration Efforts Spark Hope & Heartbreak on the Coquitlam River (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/sockeye-restoration-efforts-spark-hope-and-heartbreak-on-the-coquitlam-river-1.5806501?cmp=rss

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFLATUS – CLEAN UP ON AISLE THREE

23.   Outdated Sewage Treatment Is Suffocating Fish in Puget Sound (Crosscut Seattle, WA)

https://crosscut.com/environment/2020/12/outdated-sewage-treatment-suffocating-fish-puget-sound

WATER, WATER, ANYWHERE?

24.   Army Corps Withdraws Plan to Charge for Reservoir Water (Associated Press)

https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2020-12-04/army-corps-withdraws-plan-to-charge-for-reservoir-water

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

25.   Editorial: Getting Climate Change & The Economy Right (Everett Herald, WA)

https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/editorial-getting-climate-change-and-the-economy-right/

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

26.   Idaho Broadband Access Expanded Using Federal Pandemic Funds (Associated Press)

https://www.kansascity.com/news/article247564550.html

27.   Fitch Rates Northwest Open Access Network’s Telecom Bonds at ‘A’; Outlook Stable (Fitch Ratings)

https://www.fitchratings.com/research/us-public-finance/fitch-rates-northwest-open-access-network-telecom-revs-at-a-outlook-stable-03-12-2020

28.   Editorial: Time for A New Federal Broadband Plan (Seattle Times, WA – Paywall Advisory)

https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/time-for-a-new-federal-broadband-plan/

29.   The Quick FCC Fix That Would Get More Students Online (Axios)

https://www.axios.com/digital-divide-fcc-quick-fix-e-rate-70eab132-4f60-4e50-b194-d107393b05ce.html

THE WIZARDING WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY

30.   Migration to Booming ‘Zoom Towns’ in Pacific Northwest Sends Home Prices into Overdrive (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

https://www.opb.org/article/2020/12/07/coronavirus-pandemic-migration-zoom-towns-pacific-northwest/

I SING THE CAR ELECTRIC

31.   Idaho: Boise Code Requires New Homes Have High-Voltage Outlets for Electric Cars (Idaho Press, Nampa, ID)

https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/boise-code-requires-new-homes-have-high-voltage-outlets-for-electric-cars/article_8e81c3fb-ceee-580d-8c29-1a6640c6fd6e.html

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI – SEETHING STEW OF SCIENCE

32.   Japan’s Capsule with Asteroid Samples Retrieved in Australia (Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/article/solar-system-tokyo-asteroids-planets-japan-ec7cab3c3297f193b5874125c9bd7355

GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

33.   U.S. Rep. McMorris Rodgers’ Top Tech Target for Next Congress: Section 230 (Politico)

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/04/mcmorris-rodger-tech-target-section-230-442817

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER – DIVERSIONS

‘Date Which Will Live in Infamy’: What to Remember About Pearl Harbor, 79 Years Later

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/12/07/what-to-know-national-pearl-harbor-remembrance-day/3839353001/

The Dylan Catalogue, A 60-Year Rock ‘N’ Roll Odyssey, Is Sold

https://www.timescolonist.com/the-dylan-catalogue-a-60-year-rock-n-roll-odyssey-is-sold-1.24251263

Mysterious Monoliths Are Appearing Across the World. Here’s What We Know.

https://www.vox.com/culture/22062796/monoliths-utah-california-romania

Scene from ‘Elf’ Comes to Life as Buddy Meets Dad in Boston

https://www.yakimaherald.com/news/weird_news/scene-from-elf-comes-to-life-as-buddy-meets-dad-in-boston/article_f241a1a5-e412-513a-a6c4-a22819806799.html

SONG OF THE DAY

Richard Rodgers – Victory at Sea (Soundtrack – Main Theme)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-EXNounv-U

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

Links in the news digest lead to current stories. Media organizations update their websites regularly, which may result in broken links. Possible Paywall restrictions are noted in the media attribution.